This is one of the very first stories of Robert Reed, possibly the very second one he sold, and it's pretty entertaining, describing some surreal landscapes of the ultimate war with the machines, huge cities and general feeling of a bug about to be squashed. Not bad. review: 24-Aug-06 (read in 2000)

Sister Alice is a super-being the size of a small planet, Brother Perfect is the same kind of an epic intelligence, and the whole merry family has the Universe as their oyster as they embark on a kind of "soap opera on steroids" with relationship squabbles and some entirely too-large-scale emotional perturbations. Sometimes I felt lost and too removed from all that stuff, not anchored enough in reality and asking myself the question, what is this novella for and how it can enhance my day. I have given it big rating mostly for sense of scale, but "Sister Alice" and certainly "Marrow" rate much better in composition. review: 24-Aug-06 (read in 2000)

A curious story, written as a critic's evaluation of a little-known TV series, which lasted only eight episodes - but the last episode reveals the series to be a message from "almost-microscopic" alien spaceship to humankind. There is also some discussion about validity of exploring other worlds, and rarity of intelligent life in the Universe. Overall, the story had a minimal effect on me, which is surprising, considering Robert Reed's standards. review: 23-Jul-06 (read in 2006)

First story by Robert Reed is a very lively one, with intensity of thought and style that I quite liked... I did not know that he will become a star of SF field, but could tell the potental. review: 09-Jul-06 (read in 1987)

I do not remember much what the story is about, except that is was competent, and enjoyable. It got "fourth place" , so it must've been "really" enjoyable. First appearance of Robert Reed under his own name. review: 09-Jul-06 (read in 1987)

"SF&F Reading Experience" is part of "Dark Roasted Blend / Thrilling Wonder" family of sites. We try to highlight the most entertaining and rewarding science fiction and fantasy, with emphasis on memorable reader experience, not necessarily general acceptance by the critics. Have fun, and delve into our extensive ratings and reviews!

All major OFFICIAL AWARDS are highlighted in BLUE("winner" has a letter "W" by it, otherwise it is a runner-up only)

Our PERSONAL AWARDS (ratings) are highlighted in RED and PURPLE:--/ first place :
--/ second place :
--/ third place :--/ fourth place :--/ cool : (equal to fifth place)
ALL "BEST OF" LISTS ARE LOCATED HERE

These awards are given in the following categories: - novel :
- series :
- novella :
- story :
- collection :

Also, there are our personal STYLE / GENRE SPECIFIC AWARDS.
These reflect the story's content and the lasting impression on the reader:

--/ wonder awardsense-of-wonder, "visual intensity" and inventiveness

--/ idea awardoriginality of idea / concept

--/ adventure awardexhilarating plot, excitement / action

--/ style awardoutstanding literary qualities, inimitable style

--/ romance awardintense and beautiful love / relationships

--/ humour awardfunny and cool

--/ emotion awardtouching, lasting impression, sensitivity

--/ shock valuealtogether wild

--/ awesome scalemind-boggling; further enhances sense-of-wonder

--/ rare findvery hard to locate, mostly from old pulps, never reprinted, etc.

Again, please feel free to leave your own review or comment under every writer's entry; also recommend us other stories you liked.